Žilina

Žilina is a town in Central Slovakia with a population of 80,000 (2024) and the capital city of the Žilina self-administrative region. The city itself offers a nice historic centre, which is unique in Slovakia thanks to the arcades on the main square, and a vibrant cultural scene. The surrounding region is a paradise for hiking and skiing, with the Little Fatra mountain range being one of the nature hotspots of the country.

The most iconic look on Žilina

Flag of Žilina

Understand

First mentioned in 1208, it experienced an economic boom in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the arrival of new railway tracks. In 1918 and 1919 the city was briefly the seat of the new government of Slovakia, which was then a part of the larger Czechoslovak Republic. In 1938, Slovak autonomy within Czechoslovakia was declared here and the city subsequently became part of the Slovak State, a Nazi puppet state that existed from 1939 to 1945. The rapid growth continued especially after WW2 as part of big housing programmes realised by the communist government. With approximately 80,000 inhabitants, Žilina is today the fourth-largest town in Slovakia.

Economically speaking, Žilina established itself as an industrial hub thanks to many factories and businesses in the area. The arrival of the Korean Kia Motors Company was a major event for the city and it is today the largest employer in the region. Many Kia employees from Korea have moved to Žilina, so you can find specialized Korean food sections in some larger supermarkets and some Korean restaurants.

Žilina is also an important transport junction point linking the south (Bratislava, Vienna) with the north (Kraków, Warsaw) and the east (Košice, Ukraine) with the west (Ostrava, Prague).

Local information

• Žilina Town Council website (in Slovak)

Get in

By plane

Žilina has an airport but it is only used for private aviation and the occasional charter flights, so almost any journey to Žilina will involve a train, bus or taxi journey of at least two hours.

Nearby airports with cheap flights are, in order of convenience, Poprad (seasonal), Bratislava, Brno and Katowice.

By train

Žilina is one of Slovakia's most important railway junctions and thus has very good connection with the rest of the country. The main railway station 1 Železničná stanica Žilina. (updated Sep 2024) is a couple of minutes by foot from the main square. The station is on the main Slovak railway line Bratislava-Košice and has frequent connections in both directions.

From Bratislava trains can be caught from the main train station (Bratislava hlavná stanica) every 1-1½ hours. Fares from €9.

From the Czech Republic there are almost hourly connections, operated by the national carrier Railway Company Slovakia and private carriers RegioJet and LeoExpress. Fares from Prague start at €8, the trip takes about 5-6 hours. Private train companies can offer very competitive fares if you book online in advance.

From Poland and points further north, a change is necessary in either Bohumín or Ostrava.

From Hungary, change in Bratislava (if coming from Budapest) or Košice (if coming from Miskolc or Debrecen).

Žilina is also a junction point for many places in the region. See Cestovné poriadky for details on all train and bus connections.

By bus

From some towns in the Czech Republic, Poland or Slovakia, it could be easier to catch a bus rather than a train. Again, see Cestovné poriadky (available in English as well) for train and bus connections in Slovakia and the bordering countries. The 2 main bus station is next to the train station. All regional buses will leave the main bus station as well.

By car

There are 3 European roads crossing in Žilina: E75, E50 and E442. Road E75 from Bratislava to Žilina (Slovak highway D1) is the most convenient and fastest way of entry, because as of 2024 it is the only highway leading in and out of Žilina. If you are planning to come to Žilina with a car from all other directions, you must be aware of the terrible congestions that occur every day on the roads coming from the north (Czech Republic, Poland), east (Košice) and south (Hungary). An extension of the D1 highway is projected to bypass Žilina and create a better connection with the east of the country, but as of 2024 construction is still not finished. The D3 highway, which is projected to run north and connect Žilina with Poland and the Czech Republic, has not even began to be build.

Driving around the city should not be a problem, except for the frequent traffic jams that occur practically everywhere. As of 2024, the city is installing a new system of payed parking, so if you plan to park in the city centre, you will have to pay according to the zone you are in. More information on the parking system can be found here, but only in Slovak.

By bike

Žilina lies on the Váh long-distance cycle path (Vážska cyklomagistrála), a cycling route that follows the river Váh from Strečno up until its confluence with the Danube in Komárno. However, getting in by bike is not the safest option, as parts of the cycling route west of Žilina are still not finished and you thus have to use the normal road for cars.

Get around

On foot

The centre is pedestrianised and also small enough to explore on foot. Many areas have also been made wheelchair accessible.

By public transport

The city offers decent public transport with modern vehicles on 8 trolleybus lines and 10 normal bus lines throughout Žilina, its suburbs, and neighbouring villages. It is also quite cheap when compared to other European cities - a ticket for 60 minutes will cost only 1€ and apart from the city buses you can use it on regional buses and even trains within the city boundaries. This guide provides all information on the public transport system and the tickets, while the timetables can be found here.

However, if you are coming to Žilina as a tourist, you probably won't need to use public transport, because almost everything interesting is reachable on foot or by shared bike.

By bike

The city has quite a few hills, holes in the road and fast drivers, making cycling around sometimes a fun challenge. However, in some areas the city has created bicycle-friendly streets and cyclepaths, and outside of peak hours traffic is usually low so you can have the streets to yourself.

A bikesharing system called BikeKIA operates in the city and it is a great way to explore the city. You have to download their app, register and then it is possible to lend a bike from any of the 32 stations. The first 15 minutes are for free, afterwards you pay 0,25€ for each new 15 minutes you start. However, you can return the bike before reaching 15 minutes and lend another one, giving you another 15 minutes for free.

Cyklodielna Recykel repairs and sells second-hand bicycles.

See

Holy Trinity Cathedral

The historical centre begins right in front of the train station. Walk down Národná street, which is the closest Žilina has to a shopping street, and you will reach Námestie Andreja Hlinku (Andrej Hlinka Square), the biggest square of the city where you can find the most famous look on Žilina — the two towers of the Holy Trinity Cathedral and its bell tower and the city theatre on a little balustrade. Next, walk up Farské schody, a wide staircase on the other side of the square, then go through one of the narrow alleys, and you will find yourself on Mariánske námestie (St. Mary Square), the main historic square with arcades under every house. This is roughly the itinerary that every tourist in Žilina should do as the first thing; afterwards, you can just venture out into the rest of the city and explore it a little more, because there are many interesting sights outside of this route as well. Especially the northwestern part of the historical centre around the intersection of J.M.Hurbana and Kuzmányho street is worth a visit, whether it is for the New Synagogue, the Rosenfeld Palace or the Catholic House.

Apart from older buildings, Žilina is a hotspot of functionalist architecture, which experienced a rapid growth during the years of the First Czechoslovak Republic in the first half of the 20th century. Most prominent examples of this style are the New Synagogue by Peter Behrens, the Lutheran Church by M. M. Harminc, the old market hall or the railway station. A list of interesting functionalist buildings can be found on this page by the Tourist Information Office.

This page made by the Tourist Information Office of Žilina contains all landmarks the city has to offer. The following is only a list of the most prominent ones.

The main square - Mariánske námestie

Churches

The region around Žilina has traditionally been a Roman Catholic stronghold, with notable Lutheran and Jewish communities as well. There are three Catholic and one Lutheran churches in the city centre, that are worth a visit, plus two others located in the outskirts:

• 1 Holy Trinity Cathedral, Horný Val 1. Roman Catholic church from the 15th century, one of the town's most significant monuments and seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Žilina. Locals call it simply the "Parish Church" (Farský kostol). (updated Sep 2024)

• 2 Church of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, Mariánske námestie 23. Roman Catholic church from the 18th century on Mariánske námestie, the town main square. Locals call it the "Orphans‘ Church" (Sirotár) (updated Sep 2024)
• 3 Church of St Barbara, J. M. Hurbana 14. Roman Catholic church from the 18th century built by the Franciscan Order. (updated Sep 2024)
• 4 Evangelical Church of Augsburg Confession, Námestie Žilinskej synody 1. Church of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovakia, the biggest Protestant denomination in the country. It was built in 1935-36 by famous Slovak architect Milan Michal Harminc. (updated Sep 2024)
• 5 Church of St. Stephen the King, Závodská cesta 38. The oldest architectural monument in Žilina, it dates back to the 13th century. Today, it is located in an industrial area. Take trolleybuses no. 1, 6, 7 or 16 to "Závodská" stop. (updated Sep 2024)
• 6 Church of St. George, Cintorínska 38. Located in the suburb of Trnové, it is the westernmost wooden church in Slovakia with the oldest preserved record coming from 1583. It is a 20 minute-long bus ride from the main train station - take line no. 24 to "Cintorínska" stop. (updated Sep 2024)

Budatín Castle

Museums and galleries

• 7 Budatín Castle (Budatínsky zámok), Topoľová 1. Beautiful 13th-century castle with a nice park on the confluence of two rivers. It is the seat of Považské Museum, which covers the history of Slovak tinkers and their crafts. (updated Sep 2024)
• 8 Považská galéria umenia, M.R.Štefánika 2. Tu-Fr 10:00-18:00, Sa-Su 14:00-18:00. A gallery with regularly changing exhibitions in a variety of forms, sometimes modern, sometimes more traditional. Well worth a visit. €3 - €5 for one exhibition, €9 for the whole gallery. (updated Sep 2024)
• 9 Galéria plusminusnula, J. M. Hurbana 11 (next to the New Synagogue). M-F 12:00-17:00. Exhibition space for contemporary art, with a new exhibition every month. Free. (updated Nov 2016)

Palaces and houses

• 10 Rosenfeld Palace, J. M. Hurbana 28. One of the most beautiful art nouveau palaces in Slovakia built in 1907. Guided tours are available. (updated Sep 2024)
• 11 Fatra House of Art (Dom umenia Fatra), Dolný val 47. A picturesque art nouveau building near the main square, also known as Grand Bio Universum. Seat of the Slovak Sinfonietta, a professional chamber orchestra. (updated Sep 2024)
• 12 Catholic House (Katolícky dom), J.M.Hurbana 34. A neoclassicist house on the edge of the city centre. It was the site of the declaration of autonomy of Slovakia within Czechoslovakia made in 1938. Today it serves as a secondary school. (updated Sep 2024)

Jewish Žilina

• 13 New Synagogue (Nová synagóga), J.M.Hurbana 11. World-famous German architect Peter Behrens designed this functionalist synagogue in the 1930s. It lost its function after WW2 and today it serves as an exhibition centre while being faithfully restored. (updated Sep 2024)
• Other places of interest connected with the Jewish life of Žilina can be found on this page.

Other

• 14 Burian Tower (Burianova veža), Horný val. A bell tower next to the cathedral. It can be climbed up, but you usually have to book a tour at the Tourist Information Office. (updated Sep 2024)

Do

• Football: MŠK Žilina play soccer in SuperLiga, the top tier. Their Štadión pod Dubňom (capacity 10,900) is just north of the railway station, "by the hill" as the name means.
• 1 Zilina dam (Vodne Dielo) (about 2km east of the centre). Do running, walking, inline skating, cycling, beach volleyball (updated Sep 2017)
• 2 Lesopark Žilina, Veľký diel (between quarters Solinky and Vlcince). Walking, running, barbecue, high-rope adventure park (updated Nov 2016)
• 3 Stanica cultural node (train station Zariecie). In the building of old and still operating train station Zilina-Zariecie. Concerts, theater performances, films (often in English or with English subtitles), festivals, exhibitions, discussions, bar. (updated Nov 2016)
• 4 Dom umenia Fatra (concert hall), Jozefa Vuruma 139, ☏ +421 412451111. Weekly classical performances by the State Chamber Orchestra Žilina. Tickets at navstevnik.sk from €5. (updated Nov 2016)

Learn

• To dance: Tanečná škola Plešinger, Závodská cesta 6, 00421 41 7003 173, 00421 903 804 051,
• Paragliding: Zilina is popular place to start with it (hill Stranik), ,

Buy

• 1 Dubeň Shopping Center, Vysokoškolákov 52. Large shopping mall south of the city centre offering wide range of stores. (updated Oct 2017)
• Cheese: get local cheese from cheese shops, much better and fresher than from supermarkets, e.g. Syrmix on Narodna street or Kuzmanyho Street, shops close to market
• Fruit and vegetable market: during season good source of vegetable and fruits, sometime you can find here locals with only their things (not from big stores). Over corner of Kuzmanyho and Halkova street.

Eat

Cheap cheese typical for region:

• "bryndza" - soft cheese (great on fresh bread)
• "korbáčiky", "nite" - great snack
• "parenica"
• "oštiepok" - smoked sheep cheese, similar to Polish "oscypek"

Typical dishes:

• "kapustnica" - soup with sauerkraut and sausage
• "bryndzové halušky" - pasta dumplings with bryndza (soft sheep cheese)
• "strapačky" - pasta dumplings with sauer kraut

Every restaurant has non-smoking part (by law).

Budget

During lunch hours (12:00-14:00) most restaurants offer a 'denne menu' with a few set meal options for €3-5. Expect a typical Slovak plate; potatoes, cabbage and a slab of meat, or a plate of pasta with cheese. Always soup will be included, likely a chicken broth (vyvar) or garlic soup.

• 1 Cosmo Asian Restaurant, Kuzmányho 100. 11:00-23:00 daily. Nice looking restaurant. They have daily menus all day for about €4 including soup. 
• 2 Slovenska koliba, Kuzmanyho. Typical Slovak looking building with typical Slovak dishes 
• 3 Trattoria Pepe, 7, Jozefa Vuruma 146 (close to Marianske Namestie), ☏ +421 041 564 35 55. M-Th 10:00-23:00, F 10:00-24:00, Sa 11:00-24:00, Su 11:00-22:00. Pork or chicken escalopes (wiener schnitzel), or chicken and pasta, or a meat and rice, served with potatoes and vegetable and a drink, all for a very reasonable €4. Pleasant little place. (updated Jun 2022)
• 4 Na bráne, Bottova 10. M-Sa 08:30-23:00. Cheap restaurant with typical Slovak food. Very popular with locals for lunch and dinner, and arguably the cheapest Aperol Spritz in all of Slovakia. Only set meals, no á la carte dishes. Covered terrace in summer. Daily menu €4 including soup and Kofola. (updated Sep 2017)

Mid-range

• 5 Reštaurácia Vix, Sládkovičová 3 (in the corner of square "Marianske namestie"), ☏ +421 41 562 6401, +421 903 502 177, fax: +421 41 562 6431, restaurant@vix.sk. Daily 10:00-23:00. Stylish and modern. Video games, casino and billiard upstairs. €3-13. 
• 6 Voyage Voyage, Mariánske námestie 191/14. Up in the second of the square is very agreeable. 

Splurge

• 7 Manzo Steak & Burger, Antona Bernoláka 44, ☏ +421 948855338, info@manzo.sk. M Tu Th 11:00-22:00, W 08:00-22:00, F 08:00-23:00, Sa 12:00-23:00. Relatively new restaurant which is quickly gaining in popularity. Wide choice of steaks of different cuts and burgers, neatly served. They also have a few vegetarian options. (updated Sep 2017)
• 8 Vulcano, Za plavárňou 8121/1. Daily menus for €5.5. Solid gelato around corner. 

Drink

There are many pubs, restaurants and tearooms around town. Beer is especially cheap at just over €1 per half litre.

There are a few pubs and bars on the main square. There is an Irish bar, aptly named 'Guinness' and also a disco style bar called Royales.

Typical Slovak (and Czech) soft drink is Kofola. Kind of coke drink, not so sweet.

• 1 Trojka pub, Horný val 8/17. Good place to meet, drink and have something to eat. They have also English menu card. 
• 2 Beervana, Kuzmányho 104/8, ☏ +421 902696156, rezervacie@beervana.sk. M-Th 16:00-00:00, F Sa 16:00-02:00. Twelve different beers on tap, changing regularly. Also other drinks, snack foods and pizza on the menu. A bit expensive by local standards but worth it for the assortment and ambiance. English speaking staff and menu. Good for groups. (updated Nov 2016)
• 3 Na 7. schode, Antona Bernolaka 2, toll-free: +421 901708984, info@nasiedmomschode.sk. M-Sa 16:00-00:00, F until 01:00. Small sit-down pub with good atmosphere and music at a good level for conversations with friends or strangers. Very good specialty beers on offer. Cash only. (updated Sep 2017)

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Dom techniky, Vysokoškolákov 3151/70, ☏ +421 911802008, info@ubytovanieza.sk. A good cheap option although quite far from the train and bus stations. Private rooms with sinks from €20 a night, on the 9th and 10th floors. No internet but nearby restaurant has free Wi-Fi. (updated Nov 2016)
• 2 Ubytovňa Žilina - hostel, Pri Celulózke 28 (bus N° 24, 26, 31), ☏ +421 415254868, 3h@3h.sk. Free wifi, single bedroom €11.50 per person per night, discounts for more nights. (updated Nov 2016)
• 3 Ubytovňa Dunaqua, Bratislavská 2, ☏ +421 415621263, recepcia@dunaqua.sk. Check-out: 10:00. An ubytovňa is a traditional Slovak workers hotel, expect just basic service but good value. Breakfast and tourist tax not included in the price. Located just a short walk from the old centre. Dorm €8, Pension Room €12, Apartment €27. (updated Sep 2017)

Mid-range

• 4 Hotel Slovakia, Nám. Ľudovíta Štúra 2 (next to Aupark). A very nice ex-communist hotel with over 100 rooms, centrally located with parking. From €25 single/€39 double. 
• 5 Penzión *** Anton, Sv. Cyrila a Metoda 830, ☏ +421 415094499, fax: +421 415094451, penzionanton@penzionanton.sk. Check-in: nonstop. Comfortable accommodation 3 km from Žilina in beautiful surrounding. €27-43. 

Splurge

• 6 Hotel Dubná Skala, Hurbanova 8, ☏ +421 41 507 9100, fax: +421 41 507 9101, hoteldubnaskala@doxx.sk. Non-stop From €95 single,€99 double. 
• 7 Palace Hotel Polom, Hviezdoslavova 22 (next to main train station), ☏ +421 41 504 8888, fax: +421 41 504 8333, recepcia@palacehotelpolom.sk. Non-stop. Single/double €102/129-129/142. 

Connect

• Free open wifi on Námestie A. Hlinku (lower square) and Marianské námestie (upper square), as well as in the central shopping malls Aupark and Mirage.
• Amazing photogallery of everything in Zilina including photos of hotels, shops, parks, hills, quarters, transport, schools, churches, industries, health centers.
• 1 Pošta Žilina 1 (main post office), Sládkovičova 14 (opposite Nova Synagoga and Rosenfeld Palace), ☏ +421 415126210. M-F 07:00-19:00, Sa 08:00-12:00. Send letters and packages, SIM cards and credit, point of sale for ticketportal.sk (updated Apr 2017)
• 2 Tourist Information Office, Námestie A. Hlinku 9 (freestanding kiosk, look for a big green info sign), ☏ +421 417233186, info@tikzilina.eu. M-F 09:00-17:00, Jun-Sep: also Sa Su 09:00-14:00. Run by enthusiastic staff that know everything about the city. They can tell you about all the events and current exhibitions. (updated Apr 2017)

Stay safe

Like any central European town, be practical. The railway station is not the greatest place to "have" to stop over in for any length of time based on experience. Suggest avoid waiting room, and stay near kiosks. Otherwise, Zilina is fine. Enjoy!

Go next

There are many great places close to Zilina.

Castles and ruins

• Starhrad ruin (11 km) - on hill in the middle of forest with great view to river meander. Do a day trip: by train to Strecno, go to Strecno castle, cross river and go up to Starhrad and back.
• Strecno castle (11 km) - big castle just next road to Liptovský Mikuláš, paid entrance, open daily 09:00-18:00 (last entrance 17:15). By train or bus to Strecno village.
• Lietava ruin (10 km)- nice looking, on the way to Rajecke Teplice
• Sulov castle ruin (28 km) - on the top of rock in Sulovske skaly (Sulov rocks)
• Hricov ruin (13 km) - nice walk from village Hričovske Podhradie

Mountains and hills

• Malá Fatra - with centre in Vratna (start of hiking tracks, lift, ski resort) and Terchova (big wooden creche in church). Possible tours:
  • Janosikove horne a dolne diery: start in Stefanova
  • To Chleb and walk on the mountain edge
  • Jánošíkove Diery: Buses leave in Žilina from the main bus station to Terchová. From Terchová you can then walk 2 km to the entry of Jánošíkove Diery.
• Sulov rocks (Sulovske skaly) - start from village Sulov-Hradna. You can do circle around and visit also Sulov castle ruin.
• Stranik - popular with paragliding, great view over Zilina, the river Vah and surrounding mountains. Take bus no. 27 to Zastranie to last stop.

Others

• Rajecke Teplice - if you are passing this town, stop and enjoy small stroll around town and park
• Čičmany - a folk village near Žilina.
• Vlkolínec - a folk village near Ružomberok.